The Palate Behind the House

 

Before a tequila carries our name, it must earn its place in the glass.

At Rico Royale, that judgment belongs to Isaac Medina, Maestro Experto Catador de Tequila. His palate defines the character of our collection and the standard behind every expression.

A certified Maestro Experto Catador de Tequila, Isaac has spent years shaping tequila at NOM 1412, specializing in aroma, balance and purity.

 

A PRACTICED PALATE

A Maestro Catador is a master taster who evaluates the sensory character of tequila.

The work takes attention, comparison and experience: recognizing aromas, understanding texture, following how flavor develops and judging what remains after the sip. A trained palate can name what makes a tequila distinctive, recognize an imbalance and judge how its elements work together.

 

 

HOW THE TITLE IS EARNED

The title is awarded by the Academia Mexicana de Catadores de Tequila, Vino y Mezcal, founded by renowned maestro tequilero Francisco Hajnal.

It is reserved for professionals of the tequila industry. Candidates must bring years of hands-on experience close to the production process, complete the academy’s training in sensory evaluation, and pass its examination.

Isaac earned his title after years shaping tequila at the distillery. It recognizes a palate built where tequila is made.

 

TWO CRAFTS. ONE STANDARD.

The maestro tequilero leads the craft of production, bringing technical mastery to the transformation of agave into spirit.

The Maestro Catador concentrates on sensory judgment: how that spirit smells, feels and tastes, and how closely it meets the intended character.

Their expertise can overlap. Both shape what reaches your glass.

At Rico Royale, the craft of the distillery and the judgment of our Maestro come together in one house standard.

 

 

WHAT THE PALATE REVEALS

Aroma: the first impression: agave, fruit, flowers, oak.
Body: weight, texture and warmth across the palate.
Flavor: how taste and aroma unfold with each sip.
Finish: what lingers, and how gracefully it fades.

The judgment comes from weighing these together: their balance, their expression and the experience they create.

 

 

THE RICO ROYALE PALATE

Isaac Medina guides every expression from field to bottle. He evaluates each one for aroma and balance and guides the selection of barrels for aging. Each is judged by aroma, body, flavor and finish against the house style.

Nothing is bottled without his approval.

Each expression has a character of its own, but all meet the same standard. A delicate Reposado Rosa and a rich Añejo offer different experiences. Both must earn their place in the House.

The distillery crafts it. The Maestro approves it.

 

 

DISCOVER YOUR OWN PALATE

A trained palate sets the house standard. Your palate tells you what you enjoy.

Pour a little into a narrow-rimmed glass at room temperature. Let it rest a moment. Smell gently, then take a small sip. Notice the texture, the flavors and what remains.

Give the tequila your attention, and discover the expression that speaks to you.

Taste decides.